Crustacean Meal Fertilizer 4-0-0
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Organic Crustacean Meal 4-0-0 Fertilizer
Premium organic crab & shrimp shell meal with 4% nitrogen, 12% calcium, and 1.3% magnesium. This chitin-rich fertilizer strengthens cell walls, feeds beneficial microbes, and supports a healthy soil ecosystem that can reduce pest and disease pressure. Perfect for building healthier soil while providing gentle, sustained nutrition.
Last updated: August 2025 • Horticulturist reviewed
🦀Crab & Shrimp
🌱Organic Source
📦Free Shipping $35+
🇺🇸Made in USA
Crustacean Meal Benefits Timeline
Week 1🦠Microbes Activate
(soil temps ≥50°F)
(soil temps ≥50°F)
Weeks 2-3💪Stronger Cell Walls
Weeks 4-6🛡️Lower Pest Pressure
2-3 Months🌿Healthier Plants
Perfect For These Applications
Vegetables
2–3 lb per 100 sq ft
Fruit Trees
2–5 lb per tree
Flowers
1.5–2.5 lb per 100 sq ft
Containers
1–2 tbsp per gal
Common Garden Problems? Crustacean Meal Solutions
😟 Weak stems & cell walls?
✅ 12% calcium strengthens plant structure
😟 Root pests & nematodes?
✅ Chitin stimulates beneficial microbes*
😟 Poor soil biology?
✅ Feeds chitinase-producing microbes
😟 Need gentle nitrogen?
✅ 4% slow-release N won't burn plants
🦴 High Calcium (12%)
Builds stronger cell walls, prevents blossom end rot and tip burn
🦠 Natural Chitin Source
Feeds chitinase-producing microbes that can help reduce pest and disease pressure*
🌱 Slow Release 4-0-0
Gentle nitrogen plus magnesium for sustained, balanced nutrition
Pairs Well With
Complete your organic garden nutrition program
⚠️ Important Application Guidelines
- Has a seafood odor — mix thoroughly into soil to minimize smell
- May attract animals — water in well after application
- Store in cool, dry place in sealed container
- Wear gloves when handling
- Application timing: Most effective when soil temps exceed 50°F
- Works best when mixed into soil rather than surface application
- Allow 4–6 weeks before planting for pre-plant incorporation
Quick Application Guide
Select a plant type above
KEY FEATURES & BENEFITS
- CDFA Registered: Meets California Department of Food and Agriculture standards
- Repackaged from Organic Sources: Premium quality crab and shrimp shells from food-grade facilities
- Balanced NPK (4-0-0): Gentle nitrogen that won't burn plants or leach into waterways
- High Calcium (12%): Essential for cell wall strength and disease resistance
- Magnesium (1.3%): Critical for chlorophyll production and photosynthesis
- Natural Chitin: Stimulates beneficial microbes that produce chitinase enzymes, which can help reduce pest and disease pressure
- Meets Heavy Metal Standards: Rigorously tested to meet stringent quality standards
- Slow Release: Provides nutrition for 2–3 months with single application
- Improves Soil Structure: Coarse texture enhances aeration and drainage
- Supports Lower Disease Pressure: Chitinase enzymes can help control fungal pathogens
- Sustainable Source: Made from recycled crab and shrimp shells
- Family Owned: California-based company since 1989
HOW TO APPLY CRUSTACEAN MEAL
Step-by-Step Application Guide
- Calculate amount: 2–3 lbs per 100 sq ft for gardens
- Spread evenly over soil surface
- Work into top 2–3 inches of soil
- Water thoroughly to activate
- Reapply every 8–12 weeks as needed
⏱️ Total time: About 15 minutes per 100 sq ft
APPLICATION RATES & TIMING
Always incorporate meal into soil (top 2–3″) and water thoroughly. Split large seasonal amounts into 2–3 lighter feedings for best results. Note: Works best when soil temperatures exceed 50°F.
🥬 Vegetable Gardens
| Timing | Rate | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-plant (4–6 weeks before) | 2–3 lb per 100 sq ft | Mix into topsoil thoroughly |
| At transplant | 1–2 tbsp per hole | Mix with backfill soil |
| Side-dress (monthly) | 2–4 oz per large plant | Work into top 2″ of soil |
🌳 Fruit Trees & Berry Bushes
| Tree Size | Application Rate | Annual Total |
|---|---|---|
| Young trees (1–3 years) | 1–2 lb per tree | Split 50/50 spring & summer |
| Mature trees (4+ years) | 2–5 lb per tree | Based on trunk diameter |
| Berry bushes | 0.5–1 lb per plant | Apply in early spring |
🌸 Flower Beds & Ornamentals
| Application | Rate | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-plant | 1.5–2.5 lb per 100 sq ft | Once at bed preparation |
| Top-dress | ½ cup around large plants | If foliage appears pale |
CRUSTACEAN MEAL CALCULATOR
Crustacean Meal Application Calculator
Calculate exact amounts for your garden needs (~2 cups/lb; grind may vary)
Vegetable Garden Calculator
📋 Standard rate: 2–3 pounds per 100 sq ft
Fruit Trees Calculator
📋 Formula: 0.1 lb N per inch trunk diameter (max 1 lb N/tree)
Flower Bed Calculator
📋 Standard rate: 1.5–2.5 pounds per 100 sq ft
Container Plants Calculator
📋 Mix 1–2 Tbsp/gal into potting soil
Quick N → Meal Converter
📋 Formula: Meal (lb) = N (lb) ÷ 0.04 • Quick method: N × 25
COMPARE WITH OTHER CALCIUM SOURCES
| Feature | Crustacean Meal 4-0-0 | Bone Meal | Gypsum | Dolomite Lime | Oyster Shell |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Calcium % | 12% | 24% | 23% | 32–40% | 36% |
| Nitrogen % | 4% | 3% | 0% | 0% | 0% |
| Chitin | Yes — High | No | No | No | No |
| pH Effect | Minimal | Minimal | Neutral | Raises pH | Raises pH |
| Release Speed | Slow (2–3 mo) | Slow (3–4 mo) | Fast | Moderate | Very Slow |
| Best For | All crops + pest control | Flowers & roots | Clay soils | Acidic soils | Long-term Ca |
QUICK REFERENCE GUIDE
📋 Application Quick Reference
General Garden:
2–3 lb/100 sq ft
Mix into top 2–3″ soil
2–3 lb/100 sq ft
Mix into top 2–3″ soil
Trees/Shrubs:
0.1 lb N per inch diameter
Max 1 lb N per tree
0.1 lb N per inch diameter
Max 1 lb N per tree
Containers:
1–2 tbsp per gallon
Mix into potting soil
1–2 tbsp per gallon
Mix into potting soil
Top-dress:
1–2 tsp per gallon
Every 4–6 weeks
1–2 tsp per gallon
Every 4–6 weeks
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is crustacean meal fertilizer?
Crustacean meal is ground crab and shrimp shells containing 4% nitrogen, 12% calcium, 1.3% magnesium, and natural chitin. It's a slow-release organic fertilizer that strengthens plants while feeding beneficial soil microbes.
How does chitin help my plants?
Chitin feeds beneficial soil microbes that produce chitinase enzymes. These enzymes break down the chitin in pest insect eggs and fungal cell walls, providing natural pest and disease suppression without chemicals.
Will crustacean meal burn my plants?
No, it's a slow-release fertilizer with only 4% nitrogen, making burn very unlikely. The nutrients release gradually over 2–3 months. Just follow recommended rates and mix it into the soil.
Can I use it in containers?
Absolutely! Mix 1–2 tablespoons per gallon of potting mix when planting, then top-dress with 1–2 teaspoons per gallon every 4–6 weeks during the growing season.
Is it safe for organic gardening?
Yes! Our crustacean meal is made from food-grade shells with no synthetic additives. It meets organic standards and contains no heavy metals or harmful chemicals.
How long does it take to see results?
You'll typically see improved plant vigor within 2–3 weeks as the nitrogen becomes available. The calcium and chitin benefits develop over the entire growing season as soil biology improves.
DISCOVER MORE GARDEN WISDOM
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Check out our Frequently Asked Questions or contact our gardening experts for personalized advice.